New Port Richey cop arrested on drug charges

New Port Richey, FL - A 13-year veteran of the New Port Richey Police Department has been arrested on multiple felony drug charges. Officials say 35-year-old John Nohejl was picked up Thursday in Hernando County.

But New Port Richey Police Chief James Steffens told reporters on Friday that he wasn't surprised by the arrest, given Nohejl's history.

"It's disgusting that I have to stand here before you right now and speak about one of our officers having been arrested for serious felonies," Steffens said.

Since last April, Nohejl has either been on paid administrative leave or suspended without pay.

Steffens says in 2008 Nohejl was investigated twice for sexual battery. One instance involved someone in custody, but in both cases, the chief says Nohejl was cleared.

Steffens says Nohejl has also been suspended for lying about being sick, for falling asleep on the job, has been involved in minor vehicle crashes and in 2008 the officer made news when a pornographic web site turned up on his student-oriented MySpace Page.

Then on Thursday the Hernando County Sheriff's Office, along with Florida Department of Law Enforcement, picked up Nohejl on suspicion of using and selling both crack cocaine and prescription pills.

Authorities say between his car and home they found Nohejl with Hydrocodone, cocaine and drug paraphernalia like pipes, baggies and scales.

The Chief told reporters he has zero tolerance for dirty cops

"I can say that I'm embarrassed, not just for the officers in this agency but I'm embarrassed doe the profession (of) law enforcement because this officer was a very capable officer when he was doing what he was supposed to be doing while he was here."

Nohejl remains in the Hernando County Jail on charges of trafficking Hydrocodone, possession of crack cocaine, fleeing to elude, tampering with evidence, 2-counts of possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of two driver's licenses.

His bond has been set at $110,500.

An attorney representing Nohejl declined comment saying she had yet to talk with him.